A NewsChannel 9 viewer reached out to our Your Stories team to find out how pharmacies handle prescription pick-up by someone other than the patient, especially when the prescription is for opioids.
As police and drug abuse counselors recognize the constant concern about drug abuse, pharmacies are also aware of the dangers of medications ending up in the wrong hands.
Pharmacies have varying pick-up policies, but the common precaution is verifying the person’s identification information.
For example, Wegmans Pharmacy requires the person picking up any prescription to provide the patient’s name, date of birth and address. Controlled substance prescriptions require an ID or acknowledgement by the patient that someone else is picking up their prescription.
Wegmans then makes a note the prescription has been picked up.
A signature is required for the pick-up of all prescriptions. A spokesperson for Wegmans Pharmacy also says 360-degree video surveillance is utilized in the pharmacy’s pick-up area.
Walgreens Pharmacy requires family members or friends to verify they are involved in the patient’s immediate care, according to its website.
CVS Pharmacy also allows prescriptions to be picked up by someone other than the patient. According to their policy, the person picking up the prescription must provide a valid government picture ID.
Many pharmacies now offer free home delivery of prescriptions. Wegmans, Walgreens and CVS all offer this service.
Check with your preferred pharmacy to find out more about their pick-up policies and if they have at-home delivery.
If you have a question for the Your Stories team, call (315) 446-9900 or email us at YourStories@LocalSYR.com.
